The Election Commission Monday issued notice to Rural Development Minister Nitin Gadkari for violation of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the elections to the Maharashtra assembly.
In a notice to Gadkari, the commission said it has received emails from officials of Latur district that while addressing a public meeting Oct 5, the minister made statements to the effect inducing voters to take bribes if offered by someone and then decide how to vote.
Holding that the statements made by him amount to abetting and promoting the electoral offence of bribery, the panel said his statement violated the provision of Model Code of Conduct and asked to explain his stand by 5 p.m. Oct 8, failing which it will take a decision without further reference to him.
Elections to the Maharashtra assembly are to be held Oct 15.
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